“With the right planning and support, we can create environments where older people are valued, connected and able to participate in their community.

“These projects will help us achieve that and make sure our community is age-friendly for everyone.”

In the October funding round four groups were successful and will share in $44,600 in funding.

The successful applicants and their projects include:

Nelson City Council to investigate the particular experiences and challenges of ageing from the perspective of five different groups in Nelson: Māori, Pasifika, refugees, older migrants and LGBTI, to inform the development of the wider Nelson Age-Friendly Strategy

Taupō District Council to develop an Age-friendly Communities Strategy to support the ageing population in Taupō districts

Enliven Woburn – Lower Hutt (Presbyterian Support) to run a pilot volunteer buddy programme to support older people with dementia (and their carers)

Wesley Community Action to work with the community to develop an Ageing Well Network in the Lower Hutt and wider Wellington region.